Mission Statement
Opportunity to Succeed

The mission of Carl Sandburg College is to provide accessible, quality education in a caring environment by keeping the learner's needs at the center of decision making and by working in partnership with communities of the College district.

I. Beliefs

A. We believe that everyone should have equal access to education.
B. We believe in financial stability and responsibility.
C. We believe in providing a quality educational experience through faculty,
   staff, curricula, and physical resources.
D. We believe the educational experience is enriched through diversity in its
   people, curricula, and environment.
E. We believe in the value of partnerships.
F. We believe that learning to learn never ends.
G. We believe that community colleges are vital to economic and workforce development.
H. We believe in assessment and accountability.
I. We believe Carl Sandburg College must have a commitment to every stakeholder in
   the district.
J. We believe where you live should not determine the quality of the education you
   can access.
K. We believe in taking ownership of our future.
L. We believe in a safe and secure environment.
M. We believe in student centered decision making.
N. We believe in the use of up-to-date technology.
O. We believe that co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are an integral part of
   the education experience.
P. We believe in the value of shared governance.

II. Strategies

A. We will ensure long-term financial stability and accountability.
B. We will implement an effective enrollment management program (housing).
C. We will enhance communications internally.
D. We will enhance communications externally.
E. We will develop and maintain partnerships with all elected officials and hold
   them accountable.
F. We will ensure vibrant curricula.
G. We will ensure an effective delivery of services throughout the entire district.

III. Focal Points and Goals

A. Learning
   1. Promote and support student learning at the classroom, program, and school levels.
   2. Provide and maintain resources, which enable and enhance student retention
   and learning.
   3. Promote and support local research on the learning process

B. Caring Environment
   1. Shape an environment that recognizes the need for diversity.
   2. Create opportunities for all within the College community to interact with
   understanding, tolerance, and respect for others.
   3. Promote sensitivity to individual needs and aspirations of those throughout
   the College community.
   4. Promote organizational development as a long-range effort to improve the 
   College's problem-solving and renewal process.

C. Technology
   1. Establish and maintain effective technology in academic programs and support
   functions.
   2. Upgrade employee skills in use of technology.

D. Cooperative Alliances
   1. Develop programs in cooperation with neighboring institutions.
   2. Maintain and expand alliances within and beyond the College district.
   3. Support economic development activities.

E. Stability
   1. Establish/maintain an operating fund balance equal to 5-6 percent of the
   previous year's adopted budget.
   2. Develop institutional shape/make-up that best addresses long-range fiscal
   concerns.
   3. Maintain the College comprehensive Risk ManagementProgram.
   4. Maintain a competitive compensation program to enable the College to attract
   and retain a quality workforce.
   5. Promote operating efficiencies to accommodate growth.
   6. Promote the development of human resources.
   7. Promote and develop information management systems that facilitate
   decision-making.

F. Assessment
   1. Promote and support local research on the assessment process.
   2. Promote student assessment at the course, program, and school levels.
   3. Promote assessment as an institutional way of life.